I'm trying to figure out what cabin to get. Budget is tight, so I'm limited to the lower levels. I can get an outside cabin, but before I do I wondered--just how low in the water does the ship lie? I don't want to pay for an outside cabin with portholes if they're just looking out under water. Any help and advice would be much appreciated!!

I once had an outside cabin at the lowest passenger cabin level on the Statendam and was surprised to find waves hitting the portholes during heavy seas. It was kind of fun, actually. The only downside was that the extra humidity caused the glass to fog a bit. I don't think it should be a problem for you.

A port hole will be above water but if you are going to pay the extra for a porthole, bump up a few dollars and go for the whole window. Its nice to sit and look at the window while in port or sailing along.